U.S. fugitive Eric Conn captured in Honduras, returns to Lexington in FBI custody

The infamous Eastern Kentucky disability lawyer who police say defrauded the government of millions is back in custody.

Eric Conn arrived at Bluegrass Airport on Tuesday evening after evading law enforcement for months. He was captured and arrested outside a Pizza Hut in Honduras on Saturday.

Conn fled custody in June after pleading guilty to theft of government property and payment of illegal gratuities. Investigators say Conn, along with two others, conspired over a 10-year period to have disability benefits awarded to more than 1,700 claimants regardless of their status. The conspiracy resulted in $550 million in lifetime benefits from the social security administration. Conn now faces additional charges related to his escape.

“Mr. Conn is currently in the custody of FBI agents, and at some point soon, he’ll appear in court to face the remaining charges against him,” said Special Agent Amy Hess during a press conference to discuss the case. “As promised, Mr. Conn will now be held accountable for his actions, the people he deceived and the lives he shattered, including all of the victims of his greed in Eastern Kentucky.”

Also connected to the case, Social Security Administrative law judge David B. Daugherty, who pleaded guilty earlier this year to accepting illegal gratuities and was sentenced to four years in prison. Clinical psychologist Alfred Adkins was convicted for his involvement and sentenced to 25 years in prison. Curtis Lee Wyatt was arrested and charged for helping Conn escape custody.

Hess detailed the extent of the FBI’s search for Conn since his June escape and the laundry list of law enforcement agencies who had a hand in the task.